Christopher along with his sister, and father, Michael Roguier. / Michael Rougier

by Ashley M. Williams, USA TODAY Network

by Ashley M. Williams, USA TODAY Network

The father of a black New Mexico high school student told by his teacher that Santa Claus is white says the teacher who made the remark should be fired.

In an interview with USA TODAY Network, Michael Rougier says his 15-year-old son, Christopher, was "extremely embarrassed" after Rougier says a V. Sue Cleveland High School teacher asked his son: "What are you doing wearing a Santa Clause outfit? Don't you know that Santa Claus is white?"

The teacher has been placed on paid administrative leave, Rio Rancho school district spokeswoman Kim Vesely confirmed in a statement Tuesday evening. She added that the investigation is ongoing and that the teacher made "a stupid mistake."

The teacher has apologized to Christopher, but Rougier says he wants the school district to go further.

"I don't think he needs to be teaching our kids," Rougier said.

The incident occurred during a classroom event where students were invited to dress up as Santa, an elf or a reindeer on Thursday.

Rougier and his wife, Lawanda, took custody of Christopher in 2011 when his mother, who is Lawanda's sister, died. They are now his legal guardians.

Because his son is autistic, Rougier says he took the teacher's words to heart, and felt as if he had done something wrong by wearing the Santa beard and hat.

The incident came the same week Fox News Channel's Megyn Kelly sparked controversy by saying both Santa Claus and Jesus were white.

Rougier says he has not received an apology from school administrators but says Christopher was taken out of the teacher's class after Rougier asked the school to do so.

Rougier says the impact of the incident on his normally outgoing son is evident.

Christopher is normally "very involved" with holiday activities like putting up a Christmas tree, Rougier says, but now he is "extremely quiet" and withdrawn.

"This is something that is going to be stuck with him for the rest of his life."